Find Historic Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA

You’ll probably want to seek out the sights of historical relevance during your trip to Santa Cruz. And while you’re here, you can check out the entertainment choices and scenic seaside.

Based on our travel expertise, Hotel Solares is a top hotel for history seekers booking on Expedia, and it features free breakfast and free WiFi. Roaring Camp Railroads is a short 13-minute drive away.

Santa Cruz is home to 421 hotels and other lodging options bookable on Expedia though you won’t find many designated historic hotels.

Santa Cruz is notable for landmarks like Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Lighthouse Point Park, and Williams-Reynolds House. Cultural venues include Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory. Other popular sights include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

A historic hotel gives guests the opportunity to stay in a place that’s been officially recognized with a historic designation. Historic hotels throughout the world can take the form of palaces, castles, stately homes or even lodges, pubs, or skyscrapers. These types of hotels in Santa Cruz often retain original elements such as period features or traditional architecture in guestrooms or communal spaces.

These are quite similar. “Historic hotel” is more commonly used in the U.S., whereas “heritage hotel” is common in Asia and Europe. Historic hotels tend to emphasize the building and architecture itself. Mainly heritage hotels draw meaning from the place’s cultural value and how it shaped the community.

Yes, efforts are made to preserve historic facades and treasured traditions, but hotel interiors are fitted with modern conveniences and safety features. Tourists who book a stay can expect the usual amenities you’d get from a hotel such as private rooms with updated bathroom facilities, WiFi, and more. Booking a historic hotel in Santa Cruz doesn’t mean you’re picking a place that’s uncomfortable for guests or simply rundown.